This means schools on the South Coast outside of the Illawarra will be returning to school as normal, but are being asked to restrict non-essential visitors.

All staff and any visitors will have to use QR codes to check in and out of school premises.

The lockdown in Greater Sydney, including the Illawarra, Blue Mountains and Central Coast will be extended until Friday, July 16, Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced in a press conference this morning.

Read more: Sydney lockdown extended after 27 new cases

While not in lockdown, the social distancing restrictions for regional areas have also been extended.

This means the mask mandate is still in place for another week.

Premier Berejiklian thanked regional communities for their cooperation, noting there are no instances of the virus in regional NSW outside of Greater Sydney.

She also thanked regional communities for their patience and for "defending their communities" by alerting authorities when people from Greater Sydney have come into the region.

NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant CHO said in "Wollongong and Shoalhaven" authorities are "redoubling back on all cases to ensure under control".

NSW recorded 27 new locally acquired COVID-19 cases in the 24 hours to 8pm yesterday.

More than 45,000 people were tested overnight, an increase from 32,000 on Tuesday, July 6.

There are currently 37 COVID patients hospitalised. Seven are in intensive care - including a person in their 30s, and two are ventilated. Eight are under the age of 35.

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